This is gonna seem dumb, but I've been looking for a starter for my 89 Firebird 305 TPI motor. Every place I look they specifically ask if it is an auto trans or manual. I don't have the old starter anymore, (or can't find it... ), but the starter is just your average ol chevy starter for a 153 tooth flywheel/flexplate isn't it? (I've got a few starters for the bigger 168 tooth flywheels, but no "head" for the smaller flywheel.)

The older chevy's didn't make a difference if it was manual or auto trans. Is there really a difference in starters on the one piece rear main seal motors?

Just tryin to make sure since mine was originally a auto, but now it has a LT1 T56 trans behind in. Or am I gonna have to get a LT1 starter?

 

I'm pretty sure it 153 I think there the same auto and manual trans as well. Look at the part number differences at rockauto.com. Since you are using the lt1 flywheel get the light weight lt1 starter.

 

Thought about the LT1 starter, but $180 compared to $45 I can't afford... LOL (Here locally)

I've been looking at part numbers and I think they are the same starters, (auto trans/manual trans). Most of 'em just have a couple extra letters tacked on with the same numbers.

 

I don't know about LT1 but my 305 TPI we replaced starter while doing the clutch and we ordered the auto one and it was way too big to fit; it's a diff starter much smaller for manuals...

 

I recall it is to do with the T5 bellhousing ; not the flywheel
The stock man starter has a smaller nose to suit the man bellhousing so it will fit on a auto but not vise versa

 

Well, that's not good.

What the hell is wrong with GM's engineers nowdays? They don't seem to be able to comprehend that interchangability is what put chevy on top to begin with. Now they all want to be like ford...

I have a T5 bellhousing hangin on the wall. I'll have a look at it and see how it compares to my T56 bellhousing.

 

just return/sell the auto starter and buy the one for manual...

 

Sure enough, you all were right.
I had my wife pick up the starter on her way to work. I'd already given her the part number for the auto starter before I came back in and read the replies here.
Looks like I'll be doin an exchange tomorrow, and hope the T5 style starter fits the T56 bellhousing.

I do have a mini starter off a 99 big block truck. Wonder if that'd fit?? LOL Surely they used a 168 tooth flywheel on big blocks. I might test fit it anyway, just so I'll know.